Sunday 2 September 2012

Bathroom Reno Budget Planning, Step by Step

Careful planning is the key to a successful bathroom remodel. Before you begin any work in the bathroom, create a budget, a floor plan, a list of supplies & a timetable. Let's break it down by subject.


First, create a budget. 
Understand before anything, that a complete bathroom reno will cost anywhere from $10,000 to $15,000 if done properly (depending upon fixture & hardware choices). If you plan to re-locate the bathroom, this will add 20 to 30% to the overall finished cost and will increase in direct proportion to the distance you are moving it. Also bear in mind that once the original bathroom is removed, that area will need to be repaired as well.

Determine how much money you can comfortably spend, subtract 20% for emergencies and this will be your budget. Get written estimates for any budget item over $300 as well as for any work that will be done by the professionals, and always include electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and drywall installation costs in your budget.


Your budget will be your guide in the choices of fixtures & accessories you will be able to choose for your project. If your budget is on the low end, you will probably be unable to fit a custom ceramic multi-head shower into it.

Second, design a floor plan. 
Ask yourself, will you be working with the existing space or will you be adding or knocking down walls? If so, check to make sure you will not disturb the electrical wiring or plumbing. 

Next, measure the amount of space you have and draw a floor plan. In drawing the plan, first put in all the items that are fixed. For example, if the toilet needs to be in a certain spot because of plumbing or space limitations, it is a fixed item. Fixed items can be moved if necessary, however there will be a direct effect on the budget.

Experiment with how you like your floor plan, using different arrangements, with different types of cabinetry, fixtures, or even wall locations. You might try pocket doors to save space, corner sinks, floating sinks, pedestal sinks, L-shaped vanities and alcoves also save space. In addition, corner showers conserve space, and clear glass in showers or large mirrors create the illusion of even more space. Also, you may want to add a window or skylight to let in light.

Third, make a list. 
Make a list of all the building materials you'll need and make sure they will be available when you need them. Check on the availability of sinks, flooring, wall tile, countertops, lighting, medicine cabinets, showers, bath tubs, cabinets and cabinet handles, toilets, extra storage, taps, toilet paper holders, paint or wallpaper, chairs, as well as tools you may need buy.


Once you have all the items from step 2 included in your list, add all the materials and tools you'll need to install them (lumber, drywall, tiles, etc.). Once you have your list complete, start adding prices for each item, remembering to get written estimates for ALL items over $300. 

Fourth, create a timetable. 
Talk to experts or salespeople at home improvement stores to help plan how much time you'll need for each item on your list. If you're hiring a contractor, such as Lakeside, work with them/us to design a timetable you all can follow.


Add the time required to your list, and you'll be able to plot the time on a calendar along with delivery times required and the funds needed for each delivery. 

Plan your project according to the time you will have available. Put in a new toilet and sink one weekend, for example, and paint another. You don't have to do it all at once, so plan sensibly. Above all, be flexible and allow time for unexpected emergencies.


Hopefully, all will proceed as planned and your project will finish on time & on budget with your contingency fund of 20% being left over when you finish......it could happen!
When planning any home renovation project, especially in an older home, always remember Murphy's Law rules! If something can go wrong during the project.....it usually will, plan accordingly!





Lakeside Interiors specializes in renovating existing bathrooms as well as kitchens and basements so, if you aren't looking for a "full contact" DIY experience, get together with us and we'll make your dream bathroom a reality for you!

We are now available on facebook as well as on linkedin. Like us on facebook and follow us on linkedin!

While you're on the site, feel free to download the FREE E-book there to help you with your bathroom renovation plan, more books are in the planning stages, but I started with bathrooms.

Get all the latest tips and articles delivered right to your inbox by signing up for our free newsletter. 

If you have any questions you'd like answered or you would like to see an article on a particular subject, feel free to ask in a comment window or contact us directly.

If you would like advice concerning your summer project or you would like a cost estimate for a project you are considering, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Lakeside Interiors dedicates a portion of its profits to the community we work in by using our skills to assist the elderly or disabled free of charge. If you know of someone in your area who could use our assistance, please let us know. 

This article was published by:
Keith McGorlick,
Author, Blogger,
Home Improvement Expert &
President of, Lakeside Interiors
Windsor & Barrie Ontario
705-881-4456 in Barrie or,
226-946-9651 in Windsor or,
To receive this blog in your inbox,
Insert your email address at the
top of this page.
To receive our FREE weekly,
"Home Maintenance Tips" 
newsletter click here.



No comments:

Post a Comment